Gophers Announce Naming Contest for Minnesota TournamentThe inaugural statewide showcase is slated for Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25, 2014 with Minnesota, Minnesota State, St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth

Xcel Energy Center

June 21, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota, in conjunction with Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota Duluth, is adding a unique twist to celebrate the inaugural Minnesota Division I NCAA hockey tournament at Xcel Energy Center next year. Over the next weeks, fans will have the opportunity to help name the tournament.

Fans can submit tournament names via social media including Facebook and Twitter using #MNCollegeHockey, as well as on GopherSports.com until June 28. Entries will be collected and a top five name list will be unveiled. Fans will then have the opportunity to vote on the top five entries until July 8. The fan vote will count for 25% of the overall vote with the opportunity to sway the panel's vote in favor of the best name to represent the tournament. The winning name will be announced on July 9.

The inaugural statewide showcase is slated for Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25, 2014 with Minnesota, Minnesota State, St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth set to participate while Bemidji State will be idle in the tournament’s first year. The event will feature a tournament championship format with two semifinal games scheduled for Friday and a consolation and championship game to follow on Saturday. The University of Minnesota will serve as the event’s permanent host with three of the other four institutions participating on a rotating basis over an initial four-year schedule. Tournament details, including ticket information, will be finalized and announced at a later date.